Chile

My name is Matt McKenna and I am from Austin, Texas, USA. I am a teacher of religious studies and philosophy. I am single and have close ties to my family. I had previously spent 3 years living and working in Monterrey, Mexico for a non-profit organization. After returning to the U.S., I spent several years teaching in Catholic schools. I enjoy trying new restaurants and exploring the Austin music scene with friends and am a huge movie buff. No matter where I live, I try to live with an expat frame of mind - to explore my surroundings and to get the most out of my experiences.

Where, when and why did you move abroad?

In my mid-thirties, I wanted to have another out-of-country experience. more ...

I moved to Santiago, Chile on March 1, 2011, because I had discovered, during a visit here in 2008, that I felt better here than anywhere I've ever been or lived. Whatever "it" was, I wanted more of it! (I had always had an idea that I would go overseas to teach English "someday.")

What challenges did you face during the move?

Because I expect this move to be permanent (well, as permanent as anything ever is in my life!), I divested myself of almost everything I owned. more ...